含羞草传媒 University senior Luke Gregerson admits he鈥檚 watched his share of the Travel Channel.
鈥淔rom music to television to food, I spent a lot of time in awe watching the Travel Channel and getting as much Asian media as I could,鈥 said the English and music major from Omaha. 鈥淟ater on in school, I was able to learn more about Japan in a historical sense, often focusing around music and poetry, and my interest in the country only continued to grow from there.鈥
Following his graduation in May, Gregerson will move to Japan where he will spend a year helping primary school instructors teach English. This month he learned he was accepted to the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program.
Now in its 31styear, the JET Program promotes a grassroots international exchange between Japan and other nations. Those accepted into the prestigious program teach English in Japanese schools or work in Japanese communities on international exchange activities.
鈥淏eing able to branch out from the Midwest American culture that I have become very accustomed with is easily one of the biggest draws,鈥 said Gregerson, who has traveled internationally once for the University Choir鈥檚 tour to Ireland. 鈥淏eing able to see parts of the world that I never have previously, and trading global traditions and experiences with others is incredibly exciting.鈥